Economy rate postage for overseas packages has disappeared from the online rate calculator. This effectively doubles the cost of sending books overseas from France.Three points to bring a book in and many euros to send books out. There don't seem to be enough of us trading English books within France to make this worthwhile.

It's now costing about 3.50€ per book sent overses.That might not seem too bad when compared to what our cousins across the Pond are paying, but they're not paying 1.42 euros a litre for diesel either!

The rate has not disappeared! You have to go to the Post Office yourself, asking for the 'Economie Livres/Brochure' rates, it is on THEIR computers, but they won't tell you about it unless you specifically request it. I have always been able to use this rate so far.

This is great news. However, when I was in France in may, I actually did go into a post office and specifically asked "book rate" and she said they didn't have one. So, you have to speak french pretty well, I suspect, and maybe push a little.

Hi! Back in January I sent a book from France using jacquie's advice from this post Shipping from France - reduced postage rateHas this rate changed? Or can I ask just like last time? (Tarif document – contenu = livre d’occasion / économique)Thanks for your help!

The latest dissuasive tactics I've had to face regarding it was claims the book(s) should be enclosed in transparent packaging, but a nice invitation to look up that it was untrue on the above page, and an offer to open the package myself if they really wanted to check that it was indeed books took care of it. *shrugs*

While the page header is weasel-worded in such a way that it would indeed seem to imply only french books or those that somehow relate to french culture and/or the culture of french-speaking folk over the world, it doesn't say in so many words "french language content only".

I'm not even sure such a discrimination would fly by European agreements anyway, or that anyone could tell you with a straight face that ONLY francophone content is relevant to the culture of today's french-speaking generations.

The rate applies for ANY books/papers you send, regardless of the country you send the books to, or the books' languages; but because the rate is not bringing in much money, they will try to dissuade you from using it with any excuse. Specifically request the country name + économie + 'livres/brochure'. If they don't want to, ask for a 'written explanation' and the person's name or ask to speak to the manager. That should do it. They tried that with me, but they have lost the battle, what with the number of books I have sent over the years.

I mean, they are losing money, right? I have sent 2 books (paperbacks) to the UK, and they cost me €0.87 each for postage!!